DR pressured by government to reveal secret 2014 documents

Eurovision 2014 was thrice as expensive as planned – and now the Danish government want answers

The national broadcaster of the most recent host nation, DR of Denmark, has faced increasing criticism following the revelation that the broadcaster overspent on Eurovision 2014 threefold. But now, the Danish government has announced that it will begin to put pressure on the broadcaster to release its ‘secret’ Eurovision documents.

Nordjyske.dk reports that members from both sides of parliament in Denmark are putting pressure on DR and suggesting that Danish Minister of Culture Marianne Jelved should urge DR to release the documents on the budgeting of the contest. DR has contested these claims, stating that they have already delivered the relevant documents to the National Audit Office.

The drama surrounding the overspending for Eurovision 2014 has become a real scandal in Denmark over the previous months and with parliament getting involved it seems that DR may be in hot water with the Danish government.

Danish politician and member of the SF party Özlem Cekic says;

“The culture minister should force DR to publish this one agreement, so we can have the matter fully investigated. I know there is a confidentiality agreement, but cost overruns in connection with Eurovision is so serious that the public has a right to know the ins and outs of this case.”

Director of Eurovision 2014 for Danish television Pernille Gaarbo maintains that DR has submitted all relevant documents to the National Audit Office and that DR is acting in the best interest of the government.

Stay tuned to ESC United as the story develops. Do you think this will have any effect on the Danish people’s perception of Eurovision? Join the discussion below or on our forum!